New rocket attack targets Tel Aviv

Palestinian rocket has targeted Tel Aviv on the third day of an Israeli military operation against the Gaza Strip.

Sirens wailed across the city today shortly before the explosion sounded out.

No injuries have been reported and it appears the rocket landed in the Mediterranean, according to a police spokesman.

It was the second straight day that Gaza militants have targeted Tel Aviv.

The attacks, which Israel considers to be a major escalation, could draw an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza closer.

The new attack came as the Egyptian premier made a brief visit to the Gaza Strip.

Israel offered to suspend its offensive in Gaza during the visit if militants refrain from firing rockets at Israel, an official said.

An official in prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the Israeli leader was responding to an Egyptian request.

Prime minister Hesham Kandil crossed into Gaza before midday through the only border post between Egypt and Gaza.

Israel told the Egyptians the military "would hold its fire on the condition that during that period, there won't be hostile fire from Gaza into Israel", the Israeli official said.

Shortly after Mr Kandil arrived, Gaza militants fired off repeated rocket salvos, but there were no immediate reports of Israeli retaliation.

Israel and Hamas had largely observed an informal truce since Israel's devastating incursion into Gaza four years ago, but rocket fire and Israeli airstrikes on militant operations continued sporadically.

The latest flare-up exploded into major violence on Wednesday when Israel assassinated Hamas's military chief, following up with a punishing air assault meant to cripple the militants' ability to terrorise Israel with rockets.